The Centre for Online Learning is responsible for developing and supporting a range of certificate programs, online distance education courses. These learning opportunities are built on the strengths and interests of the university's faculty and are designed to meet the needs of local, national and international communities.

During the academic year, students can select from more than 70 distance education courses and register in any of the six instructional sessions: fall term (September to December), winter term (January to April), fall/winter session (September to April), spring term (May to August), intersession (May to mid-June) and summer session (July to mid-August). All distance education courses are entirely online and are complemented by a package of learning and support materials. Part-time students may also register for regular daytime or late afternoon courses at the campus to which they were admitted.

The range of part-time and distance courses offered enable students to complete all the requirements for the Diploma in Business Administration and the Certificate in Arts (I and II) on a part-time basis. A BA without designation can be completed entirely through distance education. It is not essential, however, that a student work toward a degree. Courses may be taken for general interest, for self-enrichment, or with a view to improving job qualifications or career prospects.

NOTE: General degrees without a major became available to students beginning in September 2005. Effective September 2007, general majors are not offered to new students entering the university. No further designation (major, option or minor) is awarded with these degrees. (The general BA program at Brantford will retain the name Contemporary Studies). Minimum progression and graduation requirements for general programs without designations became effective September 2005.

At the Laurier Waterloo campus, a broad range of business courses makes it possible for part-time students to earn a university diploma (Diploma in Accounting, Business Administration) and/or to satisfy the academic requirements of numerous professional designation programs. Degree-credit courses taken in partial fulfillment of designation requirements may be applied to diploma programs.

Students wishing to pursue an honours degree in an arts or science subject may find it necessary to register full-time for one academic year or more. The third year of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree must be taken on a full-time basis.

The Centre for Online Learning updates information regarding course offerings twice each year. The Fall/Winter Calendar (detailing fall term, fall/winter session and winter term) is available in June, and the Spring/Summer Calendar (detailing spring term, intersession and summer session) is available in February. This office also programs non-credit offerings through Continuing Education. Details can be found on the website at www.wlu.ca/conted.

Inquiries concerning admission to the university should be directed to The Office of the Registrar: Admissions, ext. 3351. For program counselling, refer to the Academic Advising sections of the Undergraduate Academic Calendar.